Jenkins was a member of TCU's golf team while in college and began his writing career with for the Fort Worth Press and the Dallas Times Herald before joining Sports Illustrated's staff. He spent over 25 years with Sports Illustrated, most notably writing about golf and college football.

Jenkins's writing touched many throughout the sports world, and his death was a major blow.

Sports journalism has lost a legend. Dan Jenkins is synonymous with golf, Texas and great writing - he is someone I will always look up to. I hope we all can celebrate his life and career at Augusta in April and at Colonial in May.

I would not do what I do if I hadn’t read Dan Jenkins as a kid. RIP, Dan. Lights are dim at Goat Hills tonight. And I’m glad I saved this picture from the 2013 PGA in Rochester. pic.twitter.com/LT3EpA8LIC

Dan Jenkins wrote a lot of great stuff, and obviously he influenced golf writing more than just about anyone, but for my money, this lede (especially the first sentence) about Joe Namath is one of the best every written. Raising a glass to Dan tonight. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/r0iFT1LP0d

If you've ever gathered to golf with your buddies and wagered either money or pride or both, read Dan Jenkins piece about Goat Hills, the Texas course he grew up playing. One of the best pieces SI ever. https://t.co/NfLT4TbRXq

Gutted to hear that we have lost Dan Jenkins. One of the all-time great sportswriters and a huge influence on all of us. I loved seeing Jenkins in the press room at the majors - always a twinkle in his eye and a barb on his lips. Pouring one out tonight for His Ownself.

"In a story, you have to have a theme and an angle, you have to have a beginning, middle and an end. You have to have a defining moment and kick it to death. You gotta be able to recognize that, by the way. It probably takes experience."